George L's: Cables & Plugs

About George L's

George L's was the original, and still the leader, in no-solder, no-strip cable systems.  The system offers a lot of flexibility for use as guitar/instrument cables and pedalboard patch cables.  Cable is available in two outside diameters (.155 and .225 inch), both with an anti-static layer to eliminate microphonic noise.  Plugs are available in right-angle, straight and straight-stretch, in un-plated brass, nickel and gold finishes.  The system delivers low-capacitance cables so the true sound of your gear comes to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attach George L's plugs?

George L's Straight Plugs - Cut your cable straight and clean across.  Do not strip the cable.  Back the set screw out far enough for the cable to pass freely.  Put your plug on the cable until it bottoms out.  Then give the cable a small push to go down on the needle.  This is your hot connection.  Tighten you set screw until you are butted against the cable.  Once at the cable give it 1-1/2 to 2 full rotations to break through the outer plastic on the cable and cut into the 98% braided shield.  This makes your ground connection.  For .225 cable, 2-3 full rotations for ground connection.

George L's  Right-Angle Plugs with Cap - Cut your cable straight and clean across.  Do not strip the cable.  Remove the cap of your right angle plug.  Insert cable in plug until it bottoms out.  Then give a small push onto the needle to make your hot connection.  Bend the cable over and into the slot just enough to get the cap started.  Do not take your thumb and push the cable all the way to the bottom of the slot.  After starting the cap let go of the cable allowing the cap to push the cable to the bottom of the slot.  Tighten the cap all the way down.  This makes your ground connection.  The cap will cut the plastic on the cable to hit your 98% braided shield and get a good hold.  Now you can put your stress relief jacket on.

What is the difference between .155 and .225 George L's cables?

The .155 diameter was George L's original cable product and it's great for home, studio or stage. Typical uses include pedal board racks, sequencers, keyboards and electronic drums. The .155 George L's cable is what we include in our pedalboard patch cable kits.  George L's created the .225 diameter cable for when the weight and size of traditional instrument cable is desired. It uses the same cable interior as the .155 but has a larger core. The sound quality is exactly the same as the .155. It remains a popular choice for players running stage lengths as well as snakes for your guitar rig.

Is the .155 George L's cable only for patch cables or can I use it for a guitar cable?

The small diameter of the .155 cable makes it ideal for the short cables and tight turns needed for pedalboard patch cables.  But both the .155 and .225 cables have an anti-static layer to minimize microphonics, so both can be used for guitar or instrument cables.

What is the stretch plug for?  Which plugs will work in a stratocaster angled jack cup?

All three plug types (right-angle, straight and straight-stretch) can be used with with the angled jack cup of a stratocaster-type guitar but the stretch plug's longer barrel makes it easier to hold the barrel when unplugging, rather than tugging on the cable jacket.

Difference between un-plated, nickel-plated and gold-plated plugs?

All George L's plugs are made from brass, and the un-plated plugs are just that - brass.  Brass has a nice gold look at first and then tarnishes slightly over time to a more mellow brass look.  With enough time the tarnish might need some quick cleaning to avoid any loss of electrical connection.  For this reason plating with nickel was offered for a tarnish-free connector and bright-silver appearance at no increase in cost.  Gold is also offered for it's improved ability to resist oxidation and for it's beautiful appearance without tarnishing, but adds cost.  There is no sonic difference in the plugs, please do not believe any reports claiming they have different tonal qualities.

Who was George L. Lewis of George Ls?

George L. Lewis, an industry pioneer, founded George L's and introduced the notion that high-quality cables are an important part of good tone. A pioneer in making high-end instrument cables available to a broad range of musicians, George L's was one of the first companies to offer low-capacitance, easy-to-use cable kits. Lewis had also been part-owner of GHS String Co. and Sho-bud Steel Guitar. He was a great influence in the steel guitar community. 

From Our Blogs

EVH Gear TV Host Eric Broadbent Endorses George L's For Best Pedalboard Patch Cables

Cable Confidential - How Guitar Cable Capacitance Affects Your Tone

Metro DC Music Cable Finder

External Links

George L's Manufacturer Website